Epson 7800 problem/damaged head?

Hi all,

Bit of a long shot - but just wondering if anyone has experienced a similar issue with an epson 7800 (or like). I have performed the usual nozzle check and power clean, and even some manual cleaning following advice of several youtube videos (cleaning wiper blade/spit pad) but still no change. It does still print quite well but certain colours are affected and darker colours quite insipid/pale looking. Might be an inoperable print-head issue but I'm just exploring all options to avoid scrapping! Any advice appreciated! Thanks.
Graham
UK

 

This may actually be the print head if you've done all necessary things to fix the issue. Since the 7800 is a fairly old unit now, it may have gone through it's life on that head unfortunately. If you've changed media types and did a few cleanings, maybe try doing a small square in the software that you use and fill it with black. This will inform the printer to try using that certain color itself and "hopefully" not others (if it will allow it) to hopefully push any ink that may be stuck. What it looks like is ink that may be sticking to the outside of the nozzle channels and rubbing against the paper. Another option is to put in a glossy paper of some sort and that coating will act like a adhesive strip when going across the paper and sometimes helps grab any ink spots (or even debri) on the paper. Don't have to print much, but something to have it go across the paper.

Hope those help (if it's not too late on the reply/suggestion). Good luck otherwise!

 

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Thanks for the detailed reply! I'll certainly try those things. I've since bought a cheap replacement (7880) to just keep going , and to be able to use current 7800 inks. Still have the 7800 and I've sent off for some cheapish replacement parts (dampers etc) just to see if that might resolve it, whilst removing print head etc to have a good look. Figure it's pretty gone anyway - so no harm in doing that. Noticed someone with a similar issue here: https://community.inkjetmall.com/t/epson-9800-clogging/1503. I've tried all the cleaning things but will have a go at what you've suggested too. Like you say - maybe just an age thing and time to scrap. Will upgrade next time (couldn't face buying all new inks!). Cheers.

 

The only difference between the 7800/7880 are the magenta's though. The other colors work in both, but the Magenta's are different unfortunately.
Seems like Epson may be announcing the new series later this year or early next year, so that may help on decisions too. We've also noticed that Epson is increasing inks for all large printers, so that may be a fun process to figure out what models to use. The newer ones have more ink sizes which is helpful.